A major road upgrade planned for Western Sydney’s Liverpool area has come under criticism, with Liverpool City Council and infrastructure experts questioning whether the proposed design will meet the region’s long-term transport and housing needs. The Fifteenth Avenue upgrade is planned as a key connection between Liverpool, the future Bradfield city centre and Western Sydney International Airport.
The project, backed by federal and NSW government funding, aims to improve traffic flow along Fifteenth Avenue, one of the busiest roads in the rapidly growing southwest Sydney region. The upgrade is intended to reduce congestion, improve travel times and support population growth around Western Sydney Airport.
However, Liverpool City Council has raised concerns that the current design is too focused on expanding road capacity for cars and may not provide enough space for future public transport options. Council representatives argue that the project should include stronger investment in dedicated bus infrastructure and active transport facilities from the beginning rather than adding them later.
The council has proposed an alternative design that it says could better support future growth while reducing impacts on local residents. The alternative plan focuses on narrower traffic lanes, improved public transport access and creating a corridor that supports walking, cycling and sustainable transport options.
One of the major concerns raised is the potential impact on properties along the planned route. Liverpool Council has warned that future stages of the project could require the removal of homes if additional widening is needed. The council says a better design now could avoid future disruption for residents.
Transport for NSW has defended the current plan, saying the upgrade is necessary to address increasing congestion and prepare for expected population growth in Western Sydney. The department says the design has been developed to meet current transport demands while allowing for future improvements as the region continues to expand.
Western Sydney is undergoing significant transformation with the development of the new international airport and surrounding economic areas. The Fifteenth Avenue corridor is considered an important link that will connect communities with jobs, services and transport networks.
Infrastructure experts have also questioned whether building a road focused mainly on vehicles could create problems in the future. They argue that transport planning should consider increasing population density and provide efficient alternatives to private car travel.
The debate highlights a wider discussion about how rapidly growing cities should invest in infrastructure. While road upgrades can help reduce immediate congestion, planners say long-term solutions need to include public transport, cycling and pedestrian connections.
The NSW government and Transport for NSW are expected to continue discussions with Liverpool Council and community groups as planning progresses. The final design will play an important role in shaping how Western Sydney grows over the coming decades.
